Netanyahu Sets Rafah Invasion Date as Ceasefire Talks Stall

Citing the need to achieve “complete victory” over Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a date had been set for a ground incursion into Rafah, on Gaza’s southern border — where Hamas’ remaining battalions reportedly hide among over a million overcrowded civilians and refugees.

The Details: U.S. officials have been among the voices warning against invading Rafah, citing humanitarian concerns. Despite the warnings, Netanyahu committed to the operation, saying, “No force in the world will stop us.” Netanyahu also faced internal political pressure; Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir warned him that if he did not approve the operation, he would not “have a mandate to continue serving as prime minister.”

For Context: Ceasefire negotiations stalled on Monday after Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal that would have included releasing Hamas’ remaining hostages and increasing aid into Gaza. Hamas says Israel has refused its demands for a military withdrawal and an unrestricted return of Palestinians to northern parts of Gaza. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was common across the spectrum, continuing past trends in news coverage about the war. Some on the right primarily framed Rafah as a strategic target, calling it “Hamas’ last stronghold”; some on the left framed the city as a refugee destination, “where more than 1.5 million Palestinians are sheltering.” This summary was developed with the help of AllSides' AI technology.